What
Celebrating its 15th year, around 12,000 visitors are expected to join the ‘Vignes, Vins, Randos’ festival which is a collection of organised walks around the beautiful vineyard landscapes of the Loire Valley region on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September 2018.
Translated literally as ‘Vines, Wines and Walks’, the wine trails are hosted by the local wine makers and each individual walk is carefully set out for families, couples and individuals to taste wines, local produce and learn more about what this beautiful region of central France has to offer.
Where
Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley region is easily accessible from Tours airport which is a direct 1 hour 20 minute flight from London Stansted to Tours.
READ ALSO: Hotel Review: Fontevraud L’Hôtel, Loire Valley, France
When
1 – 2 September 2018
Taking place at the tail end of the summer holidays, the festival is ideal for those wanting a last weekend away before children head back to school or simply an easy two day break abroad to enjoy the last of summer.
How Much
The rate of registration on the website is 6 € per adult and 1 € for under 18 years.
The price of the on-site registration is 10 € per adult, and 2 € for under 18s.
What’s On
With 15 walks available, visitors can choose from a longer 9km walk to a gentler 3km walk. There is even a family walk where children can take part in ‘grape tasting’ with games along the way. The walks last for around 3 hours and there’s no need to worry about getting too tired as there are plenty of wine tasting and gastronomy stops along the way.
Expert winemakers will guide the excursions, offering visitors an insight into the history and heritage of this outstanding UNESCO region. At various stops throughout the itinerary, visitors will have a chance to taste different local wines such as sparkling Saumur, refreshing Muscadet or earthy, robust reds from Chinon. Local food producers will have tantalising tasters available throughout including some of the region’s famous cheeses such as Saint-Maure de Touraine and Chavignol crottin.
At the end of each walk, visitors are invited to join the ‘Vignes, Vins, Randos Village Fete’. With a festival atmosphere, visitors will be able to relax and enjoy live music whilst tasting various wines and food on offer. There will be a wine market for the adults as well as games and entertainment for the children. The event is ideal for both families and anyone simply wanting to experience this unique event.